The death toll in Myanmar has surpassed 1,000 due to a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck

The death toll in Myanmar has surpassed 1,000 due to a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Friday. The toll has risen as more bodies were recovered from the rubble a day after the disaster. According to a statement from Myanmar's military government, 1,002 people have been killed and 2,376 others injured, with 30 still missing. The statement further mentioned that "detailed information is still being gathered" and the death toll may rise further.

This comes at a time when Myanmar is already embroiled in a prolonged and bloody civil war, which has caused a widespread humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict, coupled with the difficulty and danger of movement within the country, has hampered rescue efforts, raising concerns that the death toll may continue to climb.

The earthquake's epicenter was near Mandalay. It struck Myanmar at noon on Friday, followed by several aftershocks, including a powerful 6.4 magnitude tremor. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse, roads to buckle, bridges to fall, and a dam to breach.

In Bangkok, a 33-story under-construction building was shaken during the earthquake and subsequently collapsed, killing and injuring many people. The building was being constructed by a Chinese company for the Thai government.

The earthquake has intensified Myanmar's humanitarian crisis. The government has reported a significant demand for blood, especially in the most affected areas. Previously, Myanmar's military government had been slow to accept foreign aid, but it has now indicated it is ready to receive international assistance.

Since the military coup in February 2021, which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, Myanmar has been in a civil war that has turned into a prolonged and bloody conflict. As a result, over 3 million people have been displaced, and more than 20 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

International Aid and Rescue Operations: China and Russia, the largest arms suppliers to Myanmar's military, were the first to send humanitarian aid. A 37-member rescue team from China's Yunnan province has arrived in Yangon with earthquake detection equipment, drones, and other tools. Russia has also sent two planes carrying 120 rescuers and equipment. Other countries, including India and Malaysia, have decided to send rescue teams and aid.

The United Nations has allocated $5 million to respond to the crisis. South Korea will donate $2 million in humanitarian aid, and other countries have extended their support. However, there are concerns that Myanmar's humanitarian situation may worsen, especially as many areas remain difficult to reach due to the ongoing civil war.